The 2025-26 NBA regular season has officially begun and Michael Jordan has formally returned to the basketball world. During halftime of the opener between the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder, the Chicago Bulls icon appeared and spoke candidly about life after basketball.
One quote in particular was equal parts heartbreaking and fascinating to ponder, as Jordan openly addressed how much he misses the game.
Jordan sent shockwaves throughout the basketball community when it was revealed revealed that the notoriously private legend of the sport would be joining NBC's coverage of the NBA. He made his first appearance during the season opener in a candid sitdown interview with Mike Tirico.
During the interview, Jordan spoke about how badly he misses basketball and displayed rare vulnerability when he stated that he wishes he could resume his playing career.
Michael Jordan when asked if he still loves the game:
— JordanMuse (@JordanMuse_) October 22, 2025
“Love it like you wouldn’t believe. I wish I could take a magic pill, put on shorts and go out and play the game of basketball, today…it’s what I live for, I miss it.”
via: @NBAonNBC pic.twitter.com/HMsAneF1fX
Jordan rarely speaks publicly, but within the first few minutes of his appearances on NBC, he's already offered the type of insight fans were dreaming of.
Michael Jordan on basketball: "It's what I live for, I miss it."
Jordan's résumé is as prolific as any. He retired as a six-time NBA champion, six-time Finals MVP, five-time NBA MVP, 10-time scoring champion, three-time steals leader, and the 1988 Defensive Player of the Year. He also boasts the highest regular season and postseason scoring average in Association history.
For as remarkable as his accolades may be, there may be no greater testament to Jordan's legacy than the tenacious competitiveness that has inspired generations of players.
Jordan's commitment to excellence was second to none, with an endless hunger for competition than drove him to greatness. He played no fewer than 80 games in 10 of his 13 seasons with the Bulls: When he broke his foot in 1985-86, when he came out of retirement late in 1994-95, and when he appeared in 78 in 1992-93.
Heralded for his all-out intensity on both ends of the floor, Jordan's competitive nature has inevitably left fans pondering how he fills his time during retirement.
Jordan spoke during the same interview about cherishing the time he gets to spend with his family and loved ones now that his playing career is in the rearview. He even mentioned that he hasn't picked up a basketball in years.
Ever the competitor, however, Jordan's love of basketball and the need to make epace with the realities of Father Time made for a fascinating comment and interview.
Jordan will continue to provide glimpses into his own life and his thoughts on the state of the NBA with continued coverage on NBC. One of the topics that he'll be covering during his next appearance will be load management, which was announced during the live broadcast of the Rockets versus Thunder game.
With personal insight sprinkled into his analysis, Jordan's appearances on NBC could quickly become one of the highlights of the 2025-26 NBA season.